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Hightop Mountain - SNP, Virginia

Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping

5.6 mls N/A N/A

Hiking Time:Elev. Gain:

Parking:

3.0 hours plus a half hour for lunch1,480 ftPark on Skyline Drive on the south site of the bridge over VA33 where the Appalachian Trail continuessouth. 38.35612, -78.54493

The Hightop Mountain summit out/back hike has a beautiful panoramic vista,and is also one of the lesser known summit hikes in the Shenandoah NationalPark. The Swift Run Gap hike start area was was crossed by Virginia LieutenantGovernor Alexander Spotswood leading the Knights of the Golden Horseshoeexpedition on September 5, 1716 as they passed into the Shenandoah Valley forthe first time. Monuments to this crossing are erected on the southern side ofVA33 at Swift Run Gap.

The main out and back hike from Swift Run Gap is 5.6 miles and 1,480ft of elevation gain. You can alsoshorten the hike by starting at the Hightop Mountain parking area on Skyline drive. This reduces the hike to2.3 miles and 940ft of elevation gain.

Mile 0.0 - Start the hike from the southern end of the bridge that crosses VA33 on Skyline Drive.Cross Skyline Drive then start south uphill on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Shortly pass a stream onyour right as the trail gradually passes over the first rise. The AT will then level out before passingover another rise, then descending to Skyline Drive and the Hightop Mountain parking area.Mile 1.3 - Cross over Skyline Drive and and continue on the AT as the trail now more steeplyascends Hightop Mountain. Pass a section of large granite boulders, then as the trail nears thesummit make several switchbacks.Mile 2.75 - Arrive at the first of of the two vistas. The first vista is a more obscured view to thewestern Shenandoah Valley.Mile 2.8 - Arrive at the main vista. There is a short trail that leads out to commanding views to thesouth and west. This is the turn around point. Retrace your route back down the AT.Mile 5.6 - Arrive back at the parking area on on Skyline Drive at Swift Run Gap.